The idea of using clean energy always sounded appealing, however high costs meant it simply wasn't feasible for many people. That all changed in 2015 with a drop in solar panel installation costs, which made it easier for home owners to get on board. As a result, 2015 was a record breaking year for the […]
From Einstein to space shuttles, to modern breakthroughs... the history of solar is an interesting one. Below we'll walk through a brief history of solar energy as it has developed throughout the years, starting back in 1767! If you want to know more about solar, check out these articles: How Solar Panels Work Advantages and […]
The last 20 years have seen massive developments for solar. Let's explore the key advantages and disadvantages of solar energy today. Advantages of Solar Energy 1. Reduced green house gases The first and foremost advantage of solar energy is that, beyond panel production, solar does not emit green house gases. Solar energy is produced by […]
As the name suggests, concentrated solar power uses mirrors to concentrate the sun's energy onto one point. Let's explore more... Concentrated solar is fundamentally different from the solar photovoltaic (PV) power in that it uses the sun’s heat to generate electricity whereas concentrated solar often uses a solar-thermal method. Solar PV cells rely on the […]
Solar panels work through the "Photo-voltaic Process" - where radiation energy (photo) is absorbed and generates electricity (voltaic). Let's explore it below. Radiation energy is absorbed by semi conductor cells - normally silicon – and transformed from photo energy (light) into voltaic (electrical current). When the sun's radiation hits a silicon atom, a photon of […]
If you see a solar panel, the chances are it's made of monocrystalline solar cells. They are by far the most widely used solar photovoltaic technology. This article looks in detail at how monocrystalline solar panels work. If you're looking for a simple explanation of solar photovoltaics, you may wish to read the article on […]
Water heating accounts for 30% of energy consumption, so is a great place to begin cutting back on fossil fuel consumption. What's more, solar water heating can be added fairly easily to homes... Let's explore... There are a number of options for a solar water heater; from purchasing ready-to-roll systems to making your own. The […]
Australia is one of the world's best locations for using solar panels to generate electricity - utilizing high sun exposure much of the year. This article looks at the use of solar power in Adelaide. View Larger Map Adelaide is an ideal place to install solar panels as it enjoys some of the longest and […]
The sun provides us with unlimited energy, just waiting to be harnessed. Below we'll walk through two fantastic diy solar methods. DIY Solar Hot Water Using solar energy for domestic water heating is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce your power bill and the carbon footprint of a household. Either evacuated tubes or […]
Producing electricity with solar is most efficient when panels are directly facing the sun, however there is no single, global best angle for solar panels to be installed. Calculating the optimal angle depends on the latitude of the location where they're being installed. According to military and government OEM solutions provider Ok Solar, for a […]
A solar tracker is a system where solar panels follow the sun throughout the day - retaining the best angle for maximum radiation exposure. They change the tilt and direction of solar panels as the sun moves. Solar modules are mounted on tracking frames, connected to a solar actuator - which acts like a hydrolic […]
As of 2012, the Montalto di Castro solar park was the largest photovoltaic power station in Italy, producing more than 40,000 MWh of electricity per year... Let's explore! The solar park was developed and is operated by SunRay Renewable Energy, and its modules produced by SunPower. The solar park was completed in the winter of […]
Solar roof tiles are an ingenious alternative to bulky photovoltaic solar panels... Let's explore what they are and how they work! Solar energy is typically harnessed through the use of photovoltaic solar panels made of crystalline silicon, which are attached to a roof or other structure. These panels are positioned facing the sun (south in […]
"Hybrid" refers to something that combines different elements. Hybrid technology has advanced rapidly, giving birth to hybrid cars, groundbreaking communications tech, smart-houses, and eco homes. Similarly, hybrid energy systems have been designed to generate electricity from different sources, such solar panels and wind turbines. Hybrid energy systems often consist of a combination between fossil fuels […]
The term photovoltaic literally means light producing electricity. Turning photo (light) into voltaic (electrical current), is the basis of how solar panels work. So, photovoltaic efficiency refers to how efficiently a solar cell or solar module produces electricity. Photovoltaic efficiency describes the efficiency or conductivity of solar panels - the percentage of radiation (sun) energy […]
The cost of solar panels can vary dramatically depending on your location, and the type and size of the system you purchase. This article discusses the cost considerations involved with residential solar power, including recent cost stats, to give you an introduction before investigating the specifics for your location. Update: Solar costs have dropped significantly […]
The energy game has changed. And this change has given birth to a number of major, fast growing, and innovative solar energy companies. These companies will play a big role in bringing clean power, improving access for developing nations, and driving the energy future. Below we look at some of the top solar energy companies […]